Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in Memphis

If you’re looking for a lighthearted way to embrace the holiday season in Memphis, the Holly Jolly Hunt offers a playful twist on city sightseeing. While I haven’t tried it myself, the concept sounds like a delightful option for groups wanting to inject some festive fun into their trip. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or co-workers, this activity promises to bring plenty of smiles and memorable moments.

What caught my eye first is how accessible and flexible this scavenger hunt is — playing anywhere you choose makes it perfect for customizing your experience. Plus, the incorporation of silly challenges and photo scoring adds a lively, interactive element that can turn an ordinary day into something special. That said, it’s worth noting that this is a solo activity experience with some reliance on your own device and transportation—so be prepared to bring your own smartphone and plan your route.

This hunt seems best suited for those who enjoy friendly competition, holiday-themed fun, and casual exploration. If you’re seeking a relaxed, engaging activity that can be a standalone experience or a fun break between more traditional tours, the Holly Jolly Hunt could be just the thing.

Key Points

• Affordable group activity at $20 for up to 10 people.
• Flexible location—play anywhere in Memphis, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
• Interactive and fun with holiday-themed challenges and photo scoring.
• Includes a remote guide via text for support, no need for a large tour group.
• Family-friendly, suitable for most travelers who enjoy a playful challenge.
• Self-directed experience relying on your own smartphone and transportation.

What Is the Holly Jolly Hunt?

This is more than just a scavenger hunt — it’s a holiday-themed adventure that you can start whenever it suits you, anytime between late November and the end of December. Using an app on your smartphone, you’re tasked with seeking out traditional holiday items (think ornaments, lights, Santa) and some unexpected surprises along the way. The goal? Capture photos of these items to earn points while completing amusing challenges designed to make everyone laugh.

What makes it appealing is the flexibility: you set your own pace, pick your route around Memphis, and play at your convenience. The app-based setup also means you don’t have to worry about carrying around paper maps or clues, just your phone and a sense of adventure.

How Does It Work?

Once you sign up, you’ll meet at Handy Park on Beale Street to kick things off. The activity lasts around an hour and is guided remotely via text message, giving you instructions, hints, and encouragement along the way. The entire experience is private, meaning only your group participates, which keeps the vibe relaxed and fun.

The app prompts you to find holiday items and perform silly tasks—like singing a carol or striking a goofy pose—adding some humor and lighthearted competition. You’ll take photos as proof of your finds, which are scored in real time. The competitive element is optional but can add motivation, especially if you’re playing against friends or family.

The Route and Activities

While the official starting point is Handy Park, the actual scavenger hunt can be anywhere you want in Memphis. This flexibility is a huge plus, especially if you’re familiar with the city or want to incorporate local landmarks. As you explore, you’ll look for both traditional Christmas items and some surprises, like holiday lights, ornaments, or perhaps something less obvious like a holiday-themed mural or street performer dressed as Santa.

The fun comes from the challenges—such as performing a holiday dance or taking a selfie with a stranger dressed in festive attire—and the chance to be silly, which keeps the atmosphere light and joyful. The app tracks your points and displays a leaderboard, so you can see how your team stacks up against others, adding that friendly competitive streak.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

For $20 per group, you get the entire hour of scavenger hunting, a remote guide via text, and all related activities and fees. That’s pretty reasonable considering it’s a private experience designed for your group. You’ll want to bring your own smartphone (or similar device) to participate, and keep in mind transportation is up to you—so if you plan to cover a lot of ground, think about how you’ll get around.

Extras like meals or souvenirs aren’t included, but honestly, the main value here is the fun and the memories created during the activity.

Meeting Point and Logistics

The activity starts at Handy Park on Beale Street and concludes back at the same spot, making logistics simple. It’s available Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving plenty of flexibility for planning around your other activities. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds a bit of peace of mind if plans change.

Is It Worth It?

Deciding whether this scavenger hunt is worth the cost hinges on what you’re after. For a light, inexpensive activity that promotes holiday cheer and active exploration, it’s a solid option. It’s especially good if you’re traveling with a group that enjoys playful competition and photo challenges. The inclusion of a remote guide helps keep the experience smooth, and the fact it can be played anywhere in Memphis offers flexibility.

However, if you’re expecting a traditional, guided tour with in-depth historical commentary or extensive transportation, this isn’t it. It’s more about spontaneous fun, making it ideal for a casual, social outing rather than a deep dive into Memphis’s history.

Who Should Consider This?

This activity is perfect if you want a low-key, engaging way to see Memphis during the holidays. It’s suitable for most ages, provided everyone is comfortable using a smartphone and walking around. If you love holiday traditions, enjoy friendly challenges, or just want to do something different with friends or family, this is a cheerful way to spend an hour.

Keep in mind, it’s not a formal tour—think of it more as a playful, interactive holiday game that gets you moving and laughing. If that sounds appealing, you’ll likely find it a memorable addition to your holiday itinerary.

The Sum Up

The Holly Jolly Hunt offers a fun, flexible way to celebrate the holidays in Memphis. Its affordability, ease of access, and interactive challenges make it appealing for groups seeking a relaxed, memorable experience. The app-based format and remote guidance ensure you’re not tied down by rigid schedules or large tour groups, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

It’s best suited for those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition and don’t mind walking around the city. While it doesn’t offer deep historical insights or guided sightseeing, it compensates with genuine holiday cheer, laughter, and the chance to create lasting memories.

If you’re looking for a playful activity that adds a festive touch to your trip, the Holly Jolly Hunt could be just the ticket. It’s a simple, enjoyable way to make your holiday in Memphis even more special—whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family.

FAQs

Is the Holly Jolly Hunt suitable for children?
Yes, since it involves fun tasks and photo-taking, most kids will enjoy the activity. It’s designed for all ages who can walk around and use a smartphone.

Do I need to bring my own transportation?
Yes, transportation is not included, so you’ll need to get yourself around Memphis to participate. The hunt can be played anywhere in the city.

What do I need to participate?
A smartphone capable of running the app, and you should be prepared to move around and perform some fun challenges.

How long does the activity last?
Approximately one hour, making it a quick but engaging activity that can fit into a busy day.

What is included in the price?
All scavenger hunt activities, a remote guide via text, and all fees and taxes are covered with your $20 fee for up to 10 people.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, allowing flexibility if needed.

Is this a guided tour?
Not in the traditional sense. It’s a private, self-directed activity supported remotely by a guide via text message.